What is the dose of Cefdinir (Cefdinir) for a child with a weight of 10 kilograms?

From the FDA Drug Label

The total daily dose for all infections is 14 mg/kg, up to a maximum dose of 600 mg per day. Pediatric Patients (Age 6 Months Through 12 Years) Weight 125 mg/5 mL 250 mg/5 mL 9 kg/20 lbs 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h Use 125 mg/5 mL product

For a child weighing 10kg, the dose of cefdinir can be calculated as follows:

• Total daily dose: 14 mg/kg x 10 kg = 140 mg
• Since the dose is less than 600 mg, the calculated dose of 140 mg can be used.
• The dose can be administered as 7 mg/kg q12h (every 12 hours) or 14 mg/kg q24h (every 24 hours).
• Using the CEFDINIR FOR ORAL SUSPENSION PEDIATRIC DOSAGE CHART, for a weight of 9 kg/20 lbs, the dose is 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h using the 125 mg/5 mL product. However, since the child weighs 10kg, which is closer to 9 kg than 18 kg, the dose of 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h can be used as a reference, but the exact dose should be calculated based on the child's weight.
• The exact dose for a 10kg child would be between the doses for 9 kg and 18 kg.
• To determine the dose, the concentration of the suspension should be considered.
• For the 125 mg/5 mL product, the dose would be approximately 2.5 mL q12h or 5 mL q24h for a 9 kg child. For a 10kg child, the dose would be slightly higher, but the exact dose is not explicitly stated in the dosage chart.
• Considering the calculated dose of 140 mg per day, and the available concentrations, the dose can be administered as approximately 3.5 mL q12h or 7 mL q24h using the 125 mg/5 mL product, but this is an estimate and not explicitly stated in the label.
• The best course of action would be to consult the prescribing doctor or pharmacist to determine the exact dose for a child weighing 10kg. 1

From the Research

The recommended dose of cefdinir for a child weighing 10kg is 14 mg/kg once daily, which equals 140 mg once daily. Cefdinir suspension is typically available as 125 mg/5mL or 250 mg/5mL, so you would give 5.6 mL of the 125 mg/5mL suspension once daily or 2.8 mL of the 250 mg/5mL suspension once daily. The duration of treatment depends on the infection being treated, usually 5-10 days for common pediatric infections like otitis media, sinusitis, or pharyngitis. Cefdinir should be given with or without food, though absorption may be slightly better when taken with food. If using the suspension, shake well before measuring and use a calibrated measuring device for accuracy. Common side effects include diarrhea and diaper rash. The dose is appropriate for this weight because cefdinir dosing in children is weight-based to ensure adequate blood levels for bacterial killing while minimizing side effects, as shown in a study where a 25-mg/kg dose given daily was more effective for nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae 2. However, the most recent and highest quality study available does not specifically address the dosage of cefdinir for a child weighing 10kg, but it does provide information on the efficacy of antimicrobials or placebo compared to amoxicillin-clavulanate in children with acute otitis media, which can be used as a reference for treatment decisions 3.

Some key points to consider when administering cefdinir to a child weighing 10kg include:

• The importance of weight-based dosing to ensure adequate blood levels for bacterial killing while minimizing side effects
• The potential for common side effects such as diarrhea and diaper rash
• The need to shake the suspension well before measuring and use a calibrated measuring device for accuracy
• The option to give cefdinir with or without food, though absorption may be slightly better when taken with food
• The duration of treatment, which usually ranges from 5-10 days for common pediatric infections.

It is also important to note that if the child has significant kidney dysfunction, the dose may need to be reduced, as shown in a study on the pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone in critically ill children 4. However, this study does not directly address the dosage of cefdinir for a child weighing 10kg.

In terms of the efficacy of cefdinir compared to other antimicrobial agents, a study found that amoxicillin-clavulanate was the product to which the greatest percentage of susceptible, intermediate, and resistant strains of pneumococci were sensitive at the PK/PD breakpoint, followed by cefditoren, cefpodoxime, cefuroxime, cefdinir, and cefprozil 5. However, this study does not provide specific information on the dosage of cefdinir for a child weighing 10kg.

Overall, the recommended dose of cefdinir for a child weighing 10kg is 14 mg/kg once daily, which equals 140 mg once daily, and the treatment should be tailored to the specific infection being treated and the individual child's needs.